Chapter 9 – Attack of the Clones (Part 1)

Reijar, Ordo System...978 ARR…

Haron sat at his desk silently as he watched the images being sent by holo of yet another raid by the Separatists, he sighed as yet another of their colonies was struck at but at least now they were properly protected.

A roving force patrolled the border colonies frequently made up of warriors from the allied houses which had now been joined by three more smaller houses swelling their numbers and influence. While a few remained outside their alliance like Kryze and Vizsla for different reasons many of the houses now worked with him to protect their space.

Partly he suspected to get themselves some larger starships he mused with a slight smirk, his Null cannon had been well used the last year and gained them more than a few starships. It was not a large fleet by any means but they now had large carriers for starfighters, destroyers, frigates and a good number of larger freighters too. It was not regular occurrence but the raids did happen from time to time, maybe once every few months but still they happened. He had been sneaking away salvageable droids to work on their factories and mines in Wild Space which was slowly coming together with the cheap labour those reprogrammed droids provided. It would be a while yet before any of them came online but the fact that he would be able to supply material to his people with a source unknown to anyone was enough to make him smile.

He might have been there commanding his forces but Neville was there on his behalf as he had reason to be here tonight.

Ara was giving birth to their first child!

He got up from his desk and walked out of the office to their quarters where Ara was waiting, she looked up the moment he entered and frowned as she put a hand on her extended belly.

"When!?" She asked him exasperated, it was just like waiting for a battle! The anticipation was worse than the actual fight itself! He sat down next to her and took her hand.

"Its not just the battle is it? Its being parents, believe me I am just as worried about this as you are." He said to reassure her and she half heartedly growled at him.

"I know Potter!" Calling him by his Earth name letting him know she was as concerned about this as he was.

He said nothing further, just sat with her in silence. Neither of them was ready to say anything as they waited until finally her water broke. This made both of them look at each other with tension swallowing up the room but before either of them could say anything Haron picked up Ara and started carrying her to the Med Bay.

"Put me down!" Ara demanded but Haron paid her no heed and carried her straight through to the waiting medical droid and lay her on the table.

The only words spoken after that was the screaming insults towards him from Ara as her labour pain kicked in, he would never have imagined she had such a wide vocabulary of insults some of which he had never even heard of. She punched him six or seven times and he accepted it until finally hours later, their son came into the world.

Now wrapped up in a blanket he was passed into Ara's hands, she was near tears at the sight as was his father who held her in his arms and gently kissed her sweat covered forehead.

"Markus." Ara said thinking of a good name for their son. Haron nodded, just glad to finally have him here and now.

The opening of the door disturbed them both and they looked up to see Luna step in and look at the baby boy smiling. Neither of his parents knew what she was seeing but Deera then came in behind them having taken a break from Iokath, her eyes wide at the birth of her nephew. She walked over and smiled as she gently ran her finger aloud his small forehead, he seemed to like the touch and pressed himself against it making her smile wider.

"Hate to spoil the mood, but Duke Qarl has just died last night." Deera told them both and they nodded grimly, they were aware of his growing illness and that his end was near they had just hoped they would have had more time before having to deal with the fallout.

- x -

Qarl, Two Days Later…

Qarl was a small planet with little to call its own but a fairly good zersium mining operation, the ore being vital in the production of durasteel. It made them a good living and allowed them to get a few small clans under their wing.

It was a dusty and otherwise boring planet on first look, its people lived in simple stone buildings albeit with modern technology.

From the bridge of their Crusader-class Corvette Haron and Deera looked at the sight and wondered if this trip was even worth the effort then kicked themselves as they were here with their little sister Lelia for her grandfather's funeral. The little girl was only three years old now and would be four later this year so she was too young to understand especially since she had never met the man but his will was going to be read here and as a member of his family Lelia regardless of her age had to be here to receive anything he left her. Hence why Haron and Deera had accompanied her as they could accept it on her behalf as her legal guardians.

The pair were grim while they waited for the ship to land, her wastrel uncles were almost certain to be here since they had never left home as would Lelia's own mother who had abandoned her daughter without a backwards glance the first moment she could. Neither expected this to be a pleasant trip and as the ship touched down they readied themselves for a possible fight hence why they were not only wearing their full armour and had guards with them, but had all their weapons too.

Walking into the small quarters they and Lelia were sharing they saw Din studying the datapad they had given him intently.

"Good." Haron said with a small smile for his ward who looked up in shock having been so engrossed in what he was reading that he had not noticed them enter. "Knowledge is key, the more you learn the better armed you are to face whatever situations you might be faced with. Still make sure you maintain an awareness of the world around you, an enemy can easily ambush you if you do not stay alert." Haron said calmly, trying to make sure Din learnt as much as he could to be prepared for the day he might need it. Din nodded and put the pad down, standing to attention almost like a soldier on parade but Deera smiled at the young lad and told him.

"Easy, this is not a test just a chance for you to experience the wider galaxy. Relax, keep your eyes open and try to enjoy yourself." Deera told him kindly and he nodded, relaxing a little but still was tense. Haron smiled and while Deera woke their little sister who was still having a nap Haron gave Din a cloak and knelt down to be eye level with him. He gave him the best look of reassurance he could and patted his shoulder, he could ease Din's nerves easing a little and now with Lelia who was cranky and annoyed at being woken but a stern look from both her older siblings quelled her coming tantrum but they then gave her a snack and got her ready before the four of them and a small number of guards they had brought with them disembarked from the corvette and saw no welcome waiting for them but they pushed aside the slight and walked through the centre of town towards the homestead.

The town's people all looked at them as they passed and more than a few fearful glances were sent there way but they paid them no mind as they continued, Din was looking carefully around interested in all the sights around them but stayed close.

Eventually they arrived at the homestead and the guards there wearing the same style armour as them but painted a dusty orange and brown came out to meet them.

"Duke Ordo, your presence was not expected." The leader guard said and Haron without his helmet gave the man a cold stare that instantly wilted him like dying flower.

"Clearly since there was no one there to meet us but I am here to attend Count Qarl's funeral as he is my half sister's grandfather." He told the man sharply and the gaze of everyone went to Lelia who looked at them with confusion but the stubborn pride of a child her age. The guards immediately let them pass and they went through unhindered.

Entering the family graveyard at the back of the homestead they found the ceremony about to begin and walked forward to stand at the grave side, around there was a few people mostly men looking very unkept, one literally had stains on his shirt and another had hair so greasy you could have fried earth-style chips in it. They were all glaring at him and his family but when he and Deera returned it they all looked away in fear, Lelia was a little upset at the glares but Din showing his empathy smiled at her and made her feel better.

They were Haron and Deera realised all the late Duke Qarl's sons, well known wastrels who had enjoyed themselves on his money and never achieved anything in their lives. No doubt they were already counting their inheritance which disgusted them both but not as much as the woman that stood at the other side of the grave. An older woman with the most stuck-up and arrogant expression possible on her tight and almost skull like face.

Lelia had no idea just who this woman was and neither did Din however Haron and Deera knew all too well, they had known her for years although to say they had known her was a bit misleading as she had wanted as little to do with them as possible...a sentiment they had been only too happy to return.

Their ex-stepmother, Heyla...Lelia's mother.

She had taken off the moment she had given birth to her daughter and never once bothered to contact her even after her husband had died. Leaving they could understand given their father's track record with wives but he had been dead for years now and not once had she ever bothered to see her daughter. Even now she didn't even bother to look at Lelia who looked at the woman with the same coloured hair as her even if it was greying and knew they were connected somehow. Haron and Deera wanted to send her far away right then and there but they contained themselves and sent as much reassurance to their little half-sister as they could through the force. She seemed to perk up a little as she felt it and smiled up at them which they returned, glad that she was feeling better.

They waited until the coffin carrying the late Duke's body was brought out by a group of his warriors, it was a breach of protocol in funerals like this for his sons not to be the ones carrying the coffin but none of them could even be bothered to really look at it. Looking completely uninterested as the last rites were read over the coffin and the warriors slowly lowered it into the grave and covered it with earth.

The moment it was done, literally the moment the last heap of earth filled the hole and the final word was said all the late duke's children left without saying a word, even Heyla who never even gave her daughter a backwards glance. Haron and Deera sighed before waiting a moment and then leaving with their guards and two young charges. Walking back towards the homestead they could already hear the sons having a very loud conversation over what they were going to do with the money. It was so disrespectful it was sickening and the moment they walked into the room the arrogant swine all scoffed and were about to tell them to get lost but Haron spoke first, sharply and with as much severity as he could.

"We are here for the burial of your father and to listen to his will, my sister...your niece or daughter." He said his gaze turning to Heyla who didn't even bother responding, reclining in a chair and looking at him like he was something unpleasant she had discovered beneath her shoe. "Before you tell me to leave remember what I did to the last people that crossed me."

The reminder of what had happened to Awaud and Bralor hung in the air and made all of them shut up, Deera put a hand on Din and Lelia's shoulders as they waited for the functionary to arrive. It was tense as the minutes passed and the only thing that kept the man-children quiet was Haron's glares.

Finally after what seemed like an age the functionary arrived and placed a holoprojector on the table, it hummed to life and created a hologram of the late Duke Qarl who looked as grumpy and disinterested as he had been in life. Haron and Deera looked around and saw none of the man's children were looking at it with anything other than anticipation, as was Heyla. They frowned but kept on watching.

"Right you bunch of leeches." The old man's hologram said with annoyance which actually made Haron and Derra smirk a little at the affronted look on the face's the men and woman in the room especially as they knew what was coming. "I tolerated you for years as my late wife wanted but now my burden is over! So here is what you all came to hear, who gets what? Well joke's on you leeches...my sole heir is my granddaughter Lelia Ordo! I name her as the person who will receive my entire estate, my title and control of House Qarl. Since she is underage or else I would have updated the will, her older half brother and sister Haron and Deera Ordo will be her regents till she comes of age. They have full legal authority till she turns sixteen." The hologram finished with one last scathing comment to his children. "I only wish I could see all of you crash and burn but I will be too busy laughing at you from the other side."

The hologram disappeared and the room was left in a stunned silence. Haron and Deera looked down at their little sister who looked confused, not really understanding why that man was leaving her everything. Her older brother and sister had told her that he was her grandfather and that these people where his other children. She thought it strange and a little unfair in her childish mind, not knowing who these people were. But she trusted her siblings to take care of things.

The childish men in the room then managed to shake themselves from their shocked stupor, angrily shouting. The loudest being the oldest son Leyon who had a pronounced beer belly and a bald-spot on his head.

"No! I will not have my heritage stolen by Heyla's little slut!" Spit flew from his mouth, many other nasty insults aimed at the little girl came from his brothers. Lelia didn't like all the shouting especially as she knew it was all aimed at her. Din noticed her distress and seemed like he was going to shout at them to shut up and stop speaking about their niece like that but Deera beat him too it.

"ARE YOU QUITE FINISHED YOU PATHETIC PILES OF GARBAGE!?" Her voice so cold and harsh that it scared all the brothers into being quiet all at once. "No one speaks about my little sister like that."

"I challenge the will." Heyla suddenly said with a cold expression on her face. She had not shut up her brothers when they had been insulting her daughter or made any more to comfort or protect her. She just gave the little girl a look of disdain and said. "I am her mother, I make decisions for her till she comes of age." She said with a nasty little smirk on her face like she had some kind of card that overrode all of their objections and the will itself.

"SO DO I!" Leyon shouted and his brothers all followed suit. Haron turned to Din and told him.

"Stay with Lelia, she needs a little reassurance while we deal with this." He ordered and Din nodded instantly and with that dealt with Haron and Deera stepped forward in their armour and said. "The only way for you to challenge this will is to prove us unfit and the only chance you have of doing that is a fight. Outside now!" Haron told them and they almost looked for a moment like they were going to back down but Leyon snarled and said.

"Accepted." He then charged out followed by all seven of his brothers. Heyla then spoke quietly into her comlink and a moment or two later two huge hulking Trandoshans appeared, snarling at all of them. She was now smirking again, clearly having hired them just in case things didn't go her way in the will.

Haron and Deera were not impressed, they had kept a discreet eye on their former stepmother in case she decided to start to causing trouble for them. She had recently taken up with an official at the Abhean Shipyards and had promised them a steady supply of zersium at a good price. It was a lucrative deal for her and one she was not prepared to lose.

Trandoshans were intimidating to most especially with their vicious reputation but Haron and Deera were far from clueless and knew how to take them down.

"No blasters or weapons as are the rules in this fight." The functionary shouted to all of them and all the brothers paled at the mention of no weapons being allowed especially with the two large Trandoshans who were baring their nasty looking teeth and snarling in what was supposed to be a scary and threatening posture.

Haron and Deera took off their weapon belts and passed them to the guards before launching themselves straight into action, deciding to go for the Trandoshans just for fun. The lizard men snarled and swung at them with their claws but the pair easily dodged by ducking and rolling past them in complete unison before delivering a swift but powerful kick to one of the knees of a Trandoshan each. They screeched out in pain as the knee was broken and fell forward onto their fronts.

Haron and Deera let themselves fall deeper into the force and with uniform movements leapt to their feet and moved so quickly they were like a blur, each grabbing hold of one of the Trandoshans by the neck and twisting as hard as they could. The sound of the neck snapping was sharp and harsh on the ears but as the Trandoshans collapsed to the ground Haron and Deera wasted no time in standing up and staring at the now terrified and shocked brothers, smirking as they charged forward.

Calling it a fight would be charitable as it was so ridiculously easy for the pair, none of the brothers had even bothered learning to shoot let alone fight hand to hand. A single punch laid Leyon out from Haron before Deera delivered a hard spin kick to the faces of two others, Haron then elbowed another in head before slamming a hard kick to the stomach of another sending him flying backwards and into the dirt.

Deera then turned to the last two brothers who were now shaking with fear and smirked before one of them threw out a wild punch. Deera easily caught it and twisted his arm away from his body before slamming his feet down onto her armoured knee.

The last brother was absolutely shaking with terror and when Haron and Deera advanced towards him, his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fainted before they could even touch him.

Both of them felt a little cheated, they had wanted to beat the crap out of them for what they had said about Lelia to their sister's face no less and they hadn't even managed to do that. He turned to the functionary who nodded.

"The will stands, what are your orders Duke Ordo?" He said bowing slightly and Haron nodded before telling him.

"All the sons of the last Duke are banished as is his daughter. They challenged the will and now are no longer welcome on this world. An overseer will take care of day to day operations while we are elsewhere but Lelia will visit as she gets older to understand this world and the clans that will one day be her vassals better." Haron told the functionary who nodded in acceptance of the orders and went to see to it. Heyla looked worried all of a sudden but before she could say a word Haron retrieved his blaster and shot her with a stun blast, knocking her out like her brothers.

Deera meanwhile turned to Din and Lelia who were looking at them with awe filled looks having never seen anything like it before and she knelt down with a smile on her before telling them.

"That is the lesson for the day, underestimating an opponent is a sure way to get yourself in trouble. Haron and I might have been outnumbered but our skill makes up for that, while that never guarantees victory keeping your skill as good as it possibly doesn't exactly hurt your chances." She said with a smirk and held out her fists, Lelia caught on and bumped her smaller fist against hers while Din copied the action more reluctantly just after.

979 ARR…One Year Later...Unknown System...

A ship cruised through space towards a beautiful garden world that had recently been discovered by the hyperspace scouts, while unremarkable otherwise it had a large concentration of kyber crystals.

Luna smiled wide as she guided the ship down to the surface, the force was perfectly balanced here. Neutral, not leaning to the light or the dark but charting its own steady path through the force. It was both relaxing and invigorating at the same time, she let the force guide her towards an island along one of the continents. As she found a good landing sight near a large forest she was struck by a strong wave of familiarity but she couldn't place it.

She felt it every time she came here but had no idea why, she had been here with her friends to find some crystals for their own personal use and before that for an initial visit to make sure it was all they had hoped. Both times she had felt like she knew this world but not how. She had never been this way before but she knew in her bones she had been here before.

She pushed this aside however and turned to her students and said with her usual smile.

"This world is rich in kyber crystals, the force flows not only through this world but through them especially. Let the force guide you to your crystal, trust your instincts and what they tell you. Your crystal will find you." She told them and sat down to meditate while her students looked around confused not really understanding her words but one by one they ran off to find their crystal as they started to listen to the force and follow its guidance.

She allowed herself to become in tune with the force and let it flow through her, the calming atmosphere of this world easing any troubles she might have. Her memories came to her mind, of other times in her life, travelling the galaxy as she looked for her friends and all the things she had seen. Then earlier memories of her life on Earth and the sweet and sometimes troubled moments at Hogwarts where she had first made friends and enjoyed her first true adventures. She smiled as they came to her and something then made her open her eyes, a gasp coming to her lips as she realised just where she was sitting.

In the distance she saw what looked like a ruined building, half shrouded in the force so it could only occasionally be seen. It would have been an impressive castle once...magnificent even and enormous with bridges and towers high above the ground. Her face fell as she realised just what she was looking at.

Hogwarts...or what was left of it.

Luna could see that the solar storm that had destroyed nearly all life on Earth and the many centuries that must surely have passed had not been kind to the castle, to be honest it was only due to the incredible many of the founders that it still stood even if she could tell it was a burnt out ruin. It was deeply sad to see it in such a state and made her wonder if maybe one day she and her students when this new order of theirs was more established could rebuilt it as their own temple and maybe it could be a school once again? She smiled again at the thought.

Seeing some of her students return she turned her attention back to them, maybe she thought Earth might once again have people here…living and learning.

- x -

Iokath, Wild Space…

She never really felt comfortable on Iokath.

However much Deera studied the place and every new discovery filled her with excitement she didn't feel like it enough that she could drop her guard, which she admitted was not a bad thing given all the dangers here.

This morning while they had been investigating a solar energy collection installation for example, they had arrived simply enough after sneaking past the sentry droids and discovering the control room had set up their gear to work on studying this place to see if they could learn something. Things had been going very well until she had suddenly felt a warning through the force and ducked just in time to avoid blaster bolts being shot straight at her head. The rest of her team had not fared as well as she, all were wearing their armour but none were pure beskar so many of the inferior plates offered far less protection.

As some went down from being hit and the rest dove for cover she stood up and activated her small energy shield to block any more shots till she could discover their source, she could feel the impact on her shield and frowned at their apparent strength. While her armour could take it she didn't want to risk it and drew one of her blaster pistols and with the force to guide her started shooting.

Her senses were spot on, hitting sections of the walls, revealing chameleon droids clinging to it simmering into view the moment she compromised their mimetic plating, she was surprised though to see another warrior in her group pull out an ion blaster from her backpack and start shooting with accuracy that put professional snipers to shame. It didn't take long for them to defeat the droids but as soon as it was safe she asked a question she was dreading the answer too.

"Casualties?" Deera asked her people who checked themselves, Gorgi one of her soldiers told her.

"One of the techs is dead, the others serious injured but other than that we're okay." He told her and she grimaced at the loss before telling them.

"Take a sample of that mimetic plate, it might be useful then continue with the mission. Treat the wounded and prepare the dead for transport back to base."

Gorgi nodded and went about following her orders while she turned to the warrior who had brought the rare ion blaster.

"That was good shooting." She complimented the woman who took off her helmet, revealing one of the most beautiful women Deera had ever seen.

She was roughly the same age as her and had the most perfect tanned skin and a bob-cut brown hair, her face looked sculpted and she was currently smirking at her.

"I aim to please, Ion blasters are notorious for overloading or burning their own circuits out but I made a few modifications and this one works fine. I'm Zara by the way...Zara Eldar." The woman said and her smile only made her look more beautiful.

"Deera." Deera said, knowing the other woman knew her name but it seemed right to give her the informal introduction.

- x -

Reijar, Ordo System…

Haron watched his son Markus play with the wild abandon of a child who was discovering the world for the first time, smiling at the little boy who was so happy that it seemed impossible for him to have been born into such a cold galaxy at times and Haron dearly wished he could keep him like this forever but knew with a sad sigh that the universe didn't work that way.

He turned to Ara who was smiling nearby with their new baby daughter Astoria in her arms, neither had planned another pregnancy so soon but somehow either by luck or will of the force Ara had become pregnant again and Astoria was born only ten months after her brother. Both were very strong in the force and already it showed when they became upset or angry which was the reason that Haron and Ara had vowed to not let them leave Reijar till they were sure the Jedi would never sense them and they were trained to hide themselves.

These moments were what he treasured when it was just him and his family, even Din his adopted son was there working on his shooting with a practice blaster and a training remote. The boy honestly was more dedicated to his training than any other warrior Haron had ever seen and had to be reminded to take a break every now and again but it was paying off as despite his young age he was progressing well. Lelia too was learning, reading a datapad with some learning programs on and was so engrossed in what she was doing she didn't even seem to notice anything else.

A sound on his own personal datapad alerted him to an incoming call that was being labelled as high priority and coming from Mandalore. The name on the call honestly made him want to curse but he held his tongue and looked to Ara who nodded her understanding and distracted the children with a story while he left the room and went to his office. Once inside he locked the door to ensure privacy and opened the call.

A hologram of an annoying familiar woman appeared, her aristocratic face scowling openly at him while he braced himself for the tirade that was coming.

"Duke Ordo! I see I finally got your attention! This stealing of ships from the Council of Independent Systems has to stop! I will not have you dragging us down into war over your pride." She said sharply and Haron felt his anger rising and responded with a far more controlled and cold voice.

"Those ships were attacking Mandalorian colonies and slaughtering the same people you are sworn to protect! The fact I am having to remind you of this is truly not only alarming but incredibly irritating." Haron told her with a voice so cold and calm it could have frozen an ocean but Satine only continued to scowl as she responded.

"I have been assured by their representative that those raids were the result of rogue commanders that would have been held accountable had you and the rest of your barbarians not executed them without trial! The CIS Parliament is being very considerate in spite of this though and will not press the matter further if those ships you stole are returned immediately along with any remaining droids and considerable reparation payments are made...which I expect to be done immediately." She said with a glare that if it was meant to intimidate him failed miserably.

Instead it only stoked his rage up even higher...not only was this bitch actually defending the thugs that had attacked and slaughtered their people but she was actually calling him and his allies a bunch of murderers for holding them accountable and protecting their people.

Even expecting for them to not only give them the ships back but pay them ruinous sums of money too.

His eyes narrowed and with all his will he kept hold of his anger and told her what he thought in no uncertain terms albeit without shouting.

"You are without a doubt the most stupid leader the Mandalorians have ever had and considering our history that is saying something. Those ships were proper military assets as were the droid armies they used! Not the sort of thing you can take without being noticed and could only use with the blessing of the so called Parliament you mention so proudly. They attack and slaughter our people and you, the one who is supposed to be the foremost protector of all Mandalorians allow them to kill and do as they please for the sake of kissing their feet to maintain this false peace you are so proud of. It is honestly pathetic! Take this message back to them if you must and tell them on your knees, any ship caught within Mandalorian space will be subject to seizure as are its crew! If they claim these attacks are the result of rogue commanders then perhaps they should be worrying more about keeping their own people in line than thinking about us. I and the other house leaders are reaching our breaking point with you Kryze! If there is one more scandal, one more push from you I will remove you from power myself!" Haron told her and cut the transmission off.

He stood there his breathing strained as he struggled to get his temper under control, that woman was actually allowing these attacks to avoid fighting them! She was letting whole families die just because they were far from her elaborate throne on Mandalore, she could put it out of her mind while she enjoyed her days touring art galleries and attending concerts. It was enough to make his blood boil but he contained himself with great will and tried to ease his temper with their most recent achievements.

Mandalmotors had finally finished the Canderous Assault Tank prototype, it was finally ready to go into testing and initial reports were even better than they had hoped. It could take down pretty much any other vehicle it was put against and travel over nearly any terrain it was faced with and soon would be ready to go into production. Not only that but Incom had just finished its heavy starfighter project with a little extra funding, the ARC-170 starfighter. Although much heavier and less manoeuvrable than most other ships it made up for its shortcomings by being reasonably fast, heavily armed and robust but also having an operational hyperdrive for long range missions. It even had a rear gunner so it could protect itself from enemy ships coming from behind.

Apparently someone had already placed a large order for some, the order was very secretive and seemed to be coming from a little known planet called Kamino but it was big business. Not to mention some of the clans and houses had expressed an interest in the design even his. The fact that he could end up buying fighters from his own company was strange to say the least but it was a good thing as the design was solid and would once his people got their hands on it be improved further.

Even Koensayr Manufacturing was benefiting as his investment had helped complete their newest project, the BTL-B Y-wing Fighter/Bomber ahead of schedule and it too had been ordered in large numbers by Kamino.

This went well with their growing fleet, over thirty ships had now been seized in the raids on their territory six of which were Lucrehulks. Apart from being very good at transporting extremely large amounts of cargo the enormous converted freighters were decent battleships, excellent troop transports and perfect fighter carriers. His house had two of them and a good number of Munificent-class star frigates and Recusant-class light destroyers which went well with their Crusader-class Corvettes and gave them an actual navy for the first time in generations.

Even their army was looking to improve as the updated design for the Skytrooper droid was now being finished and would soon begin testing. While it would be a hard sell for his people to use battle droids it meant they could increase the size of their army extensively and give them much more flexibility. So he was hoping these droids were as good as he hoped they were.

Sundari, Mandalore…

Satine was visibly fuming as the call was cut off from the other end, she was livid almost red in the face the audacity of that warmonger to call her pathetic when he was threatening to bring down war on their people with their pride and short-sightedness! What had happened to the colonies was horrible and she was starting a fund to help any victims but begetting violence with violence only made the situation worse. Making the Separatists feel threatened was only going to make them angry and bring war to their doorstep, that deal to return the ships and pay reparations was the best deal they could have hoped for in the circumstances and that barbarian thug had just thrown it in her face.

"Duchess that was very foolish!" Almec said from the side looking both annoyed and worried which was unusual for him she thought with some surprise. "The Separatists only claim its rogues to cover themselves in front of the rest of the galaxy, everyone knows they are only testing their army against our people for a future war on the Republic! Not only does not responding to these attacks made you look very weak and make people lose faith in you as their leader but angering Haron Ordo? The man that is leading the houses against the intruders and defending their homes? His reputation and legend are only continuing to grow with each attack and so his influence over the people! He has given us a navy for the first time in generations and making him your enemy will only end badly for you and Mandalore as a whole." He warned her, looking more unsettled with each word said.

Satine only glared in return, choosing not to dignify his words with a response before leaving the room silently. She knew that encouraging violence would only lead to more pain and suffering, in time her people would see she was right and Haron Ordo would be revealed as the monster he was.

Almec meanwhile was at the end of his tether, her actions only made the rest of their people doubt her leadership and he was seriously worried that when her house of cards came crashing down that he was going to crash with it unless he found a way out of the mess she was dragging him into.

Separatist Command Centre, Geonosis…

Count Dooku or more secretly as he was known Darth Tyranus sat in his chair pondering the situation with the Mandalorians. He knew the war his master had been planning was literally almost upon them and he had been quite amused at how eager so many of his new 'allies' were to test their army on the Mandalorians. It was sad in a way to see them so pacifistic, according to his master they had been once considered to be the army the Sith planned to use to wipe out the Jedi but it had been decided otherwise when the 'New Mandalorians' gain power. Although he was in a way glad to see them rebel and return to their true warrior roots although he knew they were also excellent merchants and engineers among other things.

A potential ally to him if and when he decided to overthrow his master. He was not blind and knew there was always a chance that Sidious might throw him aside for a younger apprentice and the time might come when he needed a fighting force of his own, one skilled and highly capable. And better at his side then against him.

For that though, he would need an ally or a puppet that he could place at the top of Mandalorian Society to take over and bring them into his fold. He would begin to look for someone he could manipulate into doing his bidding and potentially control the people.

He then saw the head of the Trade Federation, Nute Gunray coming into the room and had to repress his instant impulse to crush the cowardly little nuisance rather than spend another moment in his company but couldn't as he was too useful to the Sith's future plans to be disposed of just yet. So he marshalled all of the diplomatic patience and grace he could muster and smiled like he was grateful to see the pompous toad.

"Is there any word on the Senator from Naboo?" Nute Gunray demanded to know and again Dooku had to work hard to keep his features pleasant and patient.

"I have dispatched the best bounty hunter in the galaxy to see to the matter Viceroy, I assure you she will die." He said and hoped that when the day came to deal with this annoyance it might be him that finally gets to kill him.

Reijar, Ordo System...A Few Days Later…

Lelia's 4th birthday had gathered all the members of the Ordo family and their inner circle together, it was rare for them to be together these days as they had so many projects that needed supervision so they were all busy most of the time. But today they could enjoy themselves as a group.

Neville and Hannah's little son was running around excited with Lelia while Markus sat with his mother and played with his toys. Luna was playing with Astoria as she sat in her aunt Deera's lap while Haron stood with Din and carried in the large cake they had made for the occasion while Din carried in some of her presents.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!" They all sang to Lelia who jumped up and down with excitement as Haron placed it on the table. The other children looked excited at the treat ahead of them and it took a stern look from their parents to get them to calm down as the candles were lit and Haron turned to Lelia and smiling told her.

"Make a wish." He told her and she smiled and took a deep breath before blowing out the candles, everyone cheered and she got a hug from her older brother and sister who were so proud of her. It was an old earth custom but one they had revived for their family.

While everyone was busy with the birthday girl enjoying her presents Haron watched, even Din looked more relaxed and at ease than he had been in the entire time he lived with them. He had gotten the boy to see a therapist to help with the death of his family but the boy was channelling all his grief and anger into training, determined to become the best warrior he could be and while this was effective in that regard Haron worried the toll it might take on Din. Regular sessions with the therapist seemed to be going nowhere and all the man had been able to tell Haron was to try and connect with him as a mentor and a teacher, to try and keep him grounded and develop new bonds with people.

A small sound on his datapad alerted him to a message arriving, he was glad that at least it was not from Satine Kryze. To his amazement it was from Coruscant and he was even more amazed to see it was from the Office of the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic!

To his grace Duke Haron Ordo,

I am writing to you on behalf of his excellency Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, it has come to his attention that you possess considerable military experience and a detailed understanding of such matters. Given the upcoming vote on whether or not a Grand Army of the Republic will be formed in face of the potential threat of war from the Council of Independent Systems the Chancellor wishes to determine the feasibility of the creation of a military force and what time frame might be required for such a task to be completed effectively.

The Chancellor therefore requests your presence on Coruscant to investigate the aforementioned matters with the utmost speed, please signal your willing or unwillingness to attend as soon as possible. You will be paid a considerable consultation fee for your time and efforts.

With hopes of a quick and profitable response,

Mas Amedda, Vice Chair of Galactic Senate.

He was surprised to be contacted by the Vice Chancellor of the Republic on behalf of the actual Chancellor when he honestly had no idea how either of them would have learned of him. It was somewhat of a boost to his ego to be called on to consult for the highest office in the Republic even if he had very little respect for it, it was supposed to stand for democracy and freedom but was rife with corruption beyond belief. He was inclined to not go on that basis alone and that was without considering the long and difficult history between his people and the Republic.

Still, he pondered as the party went on it was an opportunity that only came maybe once in a lifetime. The chance to discover the inner workings of the senate, maybe find some puppets or sources of information he could use, there was certainly enough rotten senators around. Not to mention the consultation fee that the Chancellor was offering was hardly an amount one could just refuse immediately.

So he waited till the children had gone to bed and when he and the rest of his inner circle had no young ears to hear them told them what the message had said, they listened and some of them were looking worried at the idea of just saying no or going.

"Its too dangerous." Ara thought with worry at being so close to the rotten senate or associating with the Republic. Many of their people looked down on it for the corruption and its habit of supporting bad causes, they were very much in the public eye these days and being associated with the Senate could easily be a stain on their reputation.

"But is it wise to refuse? After all it is the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic." Hannah said and Neville nodded in agreement.

"He is a powerful man and slighting him could be dangerous." Neville added knowing the man could cause them a lot of trouble if he wanted too. They already had problems with the Separatists, the last thing they needed was the Republic after them as well.

"A lot of discoveries and projects are advancing, most of our warriors have the special nanoweave bodysuits under their armour plates. We also found these drone weapons on Iokath with significant advances in engines and turbolasers not to mention a few other things that we are working on, the wrong attention is the last thing we need right now. Zara, one of my teams even thinks we can even recreate their caretaker droids for repair and basic crew duties on ships." Deera said not eager to have anyone's eyes on them right now especially if they started making big leaps forward. "Not to mention work on Zakuul is going ahead of schedule and they are training their first warriors."

The mention of the other woman's name though did make them all look at her with a knowing look.

"Zara?" Haron asked her with a slight amused and smug look on his face, knowing that for her to be singled out his sister must have really noticed her. Deera realised immediately what he was implying and her face started to go pink with embarrassment.

"She's just a friend." Deera said quickly and that only made him smirk more as did the others. "Just a friend."

"I think she must be something special for you to protest so much." Ara said with a similar smirk and thankfully for Deera's sake Luna turned the discussion back to the matter at hand.

"Going to Coruscant might give us some more insight into the Sith plot, the senate is surrounded in the dark side and every time I look I see that it is key to their end game. Either the Sith already control the Senate already or will do at some point soon, perhaps through a puppet or direct control who can tell. If we are going to learn more of their plot that seems to be the place to start." Luna said with an unusually intense and serious look on her face which brought them all back down instantly.

"There are good points and bad to going besides why they would choose an outsider is a question that needs answering too." Haron said and with a bad feeling about this decided his course of action. "I will go, if only to learn what the state of things will be in the wider galaxy when war breaks out and to see if I can learn anything of this Sith plot."

They all nodded slowly, most of them not happy about this especially Deera and Ara, Haron was going into a very dangerous environment without any true support. Haron himself was not keen for the simple reason that he was going to have to leave his family for any period of time. He had faith in Neville and Ara to lead his warriors and run his home in his absence especially with Hannah helping them, or for Luna to train their newest students including Frank, Markus and Astoria when the time came which was soon. Deera to run operations on Iokath and to keep an eye on the Zakuul operation.

But he hated being away from them he thought with anger and decided to try and get this job over with as soon as possible.

Orbit of Coruscant, Three Days Later…

The Razor Crest might not be the most impressive ship or the most comfortable but it was simple and nondescript, perfect for those that didn't really want to be noticed. Perhaps it was unnecessary Haron admitted quietly to himself, after all he was invited by the Chancellor but with so many of their other ships already upgraded and this being the simplest vessel in the fleet it seemed the safest to take so no one could learn just what they had.

He looked over to his 'copilot' and smiled as Din marvelled at the sight before him. The poor boy have never seen a city before and the sight of Coruscant, a city that was literally the size of a planet and went down to levels unknown to everyone must be overwhelming. He remembered his own astonishment the first time he had seen the planet and wondered what it must be like to see it through Din's eyes since he was so much younger.

He knew bringing the boy along was to say the least a questionable decision, especially given where they were going but he wanted the boy to understand the wider galaxy and the best way to do that was by seeing it with your own eyes. Haron gave the boy an encouraging smile before bringing the ship down to the docking bay of the Senate building. The dome shaped building came into view and Haron became very serious as he guided the ship into land, as they felt the thump of the ship touching down he turned to Din and told him.

"Remember Din, this place might look polite but it is dangerous albeit for different reasons. So be on our best behaviour for as long as we are here." He warned the boy who nodded.

"Yes your grace." He said back which made Haron sigh quietly as he wished the boy would not be so formal, as far as Haron was concerned Din was a member of his family now and free to call him by his name not a title. He knew it was probably best given where they were to keep such things professional so as Din fell into step just behind him as he exited the ship he schooled his features into a polite mask.

A blue male Chagrain who he knew from his own research was Mas Amedda stood waiting to greet him with a phalanx of blue suited Senate guards behind, Haron disembarked from his ship with an awestruck Din at his side walking straight up to him. The guards were he noticed far too relaxed and their weapons were not exactly effective at range but he dismissed those concerns as Mas Amedda spoke to him.

"Greetings Duke Ordo, the Chancellor is anxious to meet with you to discuss the matter at hand." Mas told him, if he was perturbed by Haron wearing his armour and weapons he did not show it, not even sparing Din a glance while Haron told him.

"Then by all means, let's not keep him waiting."

Mas Amedda nodded and without another word started walking back inside the building and Haron and Din started following him, taking note of the grand building where galactic power resided. It was well crafted but underneath it you could almost feel the tension and corruption beneath the surface. Haron was to be honest uncomfortable being here, the amount of senators milling around with their elaborate and expensive clothes not to mention the outright rotten heart of the place made him feel on edge and while he did his best to force it down it was niggling at him. He did his best to not show weakness for Din's sake who was confused by the expensive surroundings and people around him. Haron made sure the boy was at his side during the fairly long walk and elevator ride to the upper reaches of the enormous building.

When at last they reached the office it too was elaborately decorated with deep red tones and golden statues of strange figures. Haron ignored all that though as he looked to the man standing at the window with his arms folded inside very expensive but simple robes, he was a much older man than Haron with thinning white hair and a fair few lines on his face. His expression was kind and calm but in that split second that their eyes met Haron almost reached for his blaster out of reflex, it was like something at the core of his being told him that this man was a threat. It was not quite a conscious thing and he would never be able to explain or justify the feeling to anyone but he could tell that there was something very dangerous about this man.

He managed to restrain his reaction however and put a polite calm expression on and bowed slightly in respect which Din copied staying silent and respectful while the two men spoke.

"Supreme Chancellor, thank you for your invitation although it was unexpected. This is my ward Din Djarin I hope you do not mind him being present but he has much to learn." Haron said as politely as he could while his instinct was to leave this planet as soon as possible. The Chancellor smiled looking like everyone's favourite grandfather and spoke with a cultured and very intelligent voice.

"Greetings Duke Ordo please come in, of course I do not mind. The education of the young is a sacred duty." Palpatine said with a smile that somehow reminded Haron of a shark. "It is a difficult time for the Republic, I will not see it split in two but in the event the Senate votes for a military to be created or the Separatists chose to push for open conflict I am in need of someone with experience in warfare and in military structures who it is unaffiliated with any party within the senate itself. I need a complete and accurate view of how quickly a trained and capable military can be established should the need arise. It might also help if I had your assessment before the vote." He added which made Haron realise he wanted this done quickly.

"When is the vote going to be held? It helps to know the timescale I need to work too." Haron asked wondering how well he might be able to do the job. Palpatine then told him with seeming regret.

"The vote has no set date yet but it will be carried out definitely within two weeks to a month. Will that be enough time?" Palpatine asked him concerned which honestly made Haron more uncertain of him. He had no definite facts that could explain his discomfort but something was niggling at him all the same.

"I should be able to come up with some solid facts in that time Supreme Chancellor, however I will need a place to work and much information on the different defence forces of Republic worlds not to mention the infrastructure that would be supporting this military you could be setting up. Information on the Judicial Forces and the Jedi Order would also be appreciated as many of the officers would likely have to be drawn from their ranks." Haron said knowing he had a lot to study if he was to give the Chancellor an honest answer. The Chancellor nodded looking very pleased.

"I anticipated that much, I have arranged an office for you and temporary residence in 500 Republica which should be quite comfortable and have all the information you need. If you require any additional information please speak to my Vice Chair and he will see you have everything you need." Palpatine said and Haron could only raise an eyebrow in surprise. 500 Republica was some of the most expensive and sought after read estate in the galaxy. Literally everything you could need in one building and for at least the next two weeks or so he and Din would be staying there.

"That is most appreciated Supreme Chancellor and I thank you for your generosity, now I will not intrude on any more of your time and get to the matter at hand." Haron said and Palpatine nodded.

"It is no trouble, I am afraid I have to leave for a meeting with several committees. Good Day." Palpatine said and Haron nodded before quickly rising and leaving the room with Din at his heels. He let out a breath of relief and tried to reassure Din by smiling who looked confused, not understanding what had him so on edge.

Haron was impressed when an air taxi delivered him and Din to their temporary residence, it was luxurious and well appointed with a full computer suite to help him with his work. Din was amazed and went off to carefully explore while Haron went to sweep the place for bugs.

Unsurprisingly he discovered no less than six surveillance devices scattered around the place but saw no real reason to remove them, that would just tip off whoever had planted them and as long as he did nothing force related or kept conversation to selected topics then it would not matter. He was only here for a short time anyway. Let them watch for they would learn nothing of value.

So in the kitchen he started cooking a meal for Din and himself (after carefully checking the ingredients provided for poisons or the like). A droid could have done it but it seemed like good precaution and it was something they could enjoy together. Sitting down in silence the pair started their meal and Haron felt the remind Din of the situation and the rules.

"Remember Din, here we are certainly being spied on and everyone is an enemy in disguise. So we have to be mindful of where we go and what we say." Haron reminded him and Din nodded.

"Yes Duke Ordo." Din said and Haron sighed.

"You know you can call me Haron, since that's my name and you are not a servant. You are a member of House Ordo now." Haron told him with a smile, he might not be a member of the family by blood but he was a part of it now at least in Haron's mind. He wanted the boy to be safe after losing everything and find a life for himself, but he was too formal to relax.

Din looked uncomfortable and Haron realised he was pushing too hard so he told him with a smile.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. You say what you feel comfortable with and I will abide by it." Haron said and Din looked a little reassured before finally saying something back.

"It's just I want to be worthy of being a part of your family...of being a warrior...of wearing the armour." Din told him and Haron nodded, seeing the boy idolised warriors after what had happened and so he told him.

"And you will be, you have already taken the first step." Haron said which seemed to confuse Din before Haron explained. "You try the hardest at everything you do, take your training seriously and push to make yourself better. As a Mandalorian that is a key stone of who we are, we put all our energy and strength into what we do. As an engineer, as a scientist, an artist, a warrior whatever path we follow. Our heart is what gives us the strength to be the best warriors in the galaxy, that is the reason the iron heart is everywhere in our culture...to remind us." Haron said pointing to the six-sided shape at the centre of his armour.

Din nodded slowly as he took in the information and Haron gave him one of the most important lessons he could teach to Din as he passed him a drink of water.

"Find a code, a set of rules about how you want to live your life and stick to it. It might take you years to find one that fits you or build one of the your very own but it is an important part of being a grown man. Listen to your lessons and see what you can of the galaxy to broaden your horizons, only you know what will give your life meaning." Haron said before reaching down under the table and producing two blaster pistols. Din looked at them with confusion.

"Your blasters?" Din said not understanding why he was being shown the modified twin IB-94 blaster pistols that Haron had used for years but Haron just smiled knowing the boy was going to love this.

"Not mine, yours now." Haron told him and the shock on the boy's face was priceless. "Those pistols were the first thing I really earned for myself when I was out in the galaxy and they have served me well. But now I think they need a new owner." Haron said, he knew Din would use those blasters well and he was now old enough to use them responsibly. He himself now had a pair of freshly custom made and modified WESTAR-35 blaster pistols like many other Mandalorians wore and enhanced with a little siantide tech.

Din slowly and uncertainly reached for the blasters, like he expected Haron to take them or for them to vanish the moment he made contact but they didn't and he lifted the two pistols and marvelled at them.

Haron could almost see in his mind's eye an older Din with his armour spinning those pistols on his hands before putting them back in the holsters, he smiled knowing that when the time came he would be ready.